Egypt Imposes Entry Restrictions on Palestinians from Several Countries

December 27, 2024 Hour: 7:05 pm

In a move that has sparked deep concern among the Palestinian community and human rights activists, Egypt has abruptly banned the entry of Palestinian citizens coming from Syria, Sudan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen.

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The measure, implemented without prior notice and indefinitely, adds to similar restrictions recently imposed on Syrian citizens.According to reliable sources, Egyptian authorities have blocked the entry of Palestinians from these five countries, without providing a clear justification or a defined timeline for the review of this measure.

This action leaves many Palestinians in a state of limbo, with their lives disrupted and their fundamental rights undermined.

This new restriction comes on top of a previous decision, made a few days ago, which prevents the entry into Egypt of Syrian citizens residing in European, American, and Canadian countries, without prior approval from security authorities. Furthermore, the entry of Syrians holding Schengen visas has been prohibited and, even more concerning, the entry of Syrians married to Egyptian citizens has been blocked unless they obtain security clearance.

These measures, which directly affect the Palestinian and Syrian communities, raise serious questions about Egypt’s migration policies and its commitment to human rights.

The arbitrariness and lack of transparency in these decisions generate uncertainty and fear among those affected, who find themselves unprotected and unable to access safe refuge.It should be noted that the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has publicly expressed its support for the Syrian state, its sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, as well as its commitment to the country’s reconstruction process.

However, these recent migration restrictions contradict these statements and raise doubts about the coherence of Egyptian policies regarding refugees and the protection of their rights.

The measure, which significantly impacts Palestinians, highlights the vulnerability of those living in the diaspora and the fragility of their rights in an unstable geopolitical context.

The international community and human rights organizations must be attentive to these developments and demand that Egypt review these policies, ensuring respect for the fundamental rights of Palestinians and Syrians.